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Review Happy Birthday to Me (1981): A Canadian Giallo!

genre: horror, slasher, thriller, mystery






A well acted and directed Canadian slasher with clear Giallo elements. Just when you think you know what's going on, you will find out you were wrong. 

I have to say that it was a brilliant move to cast Melissa Sue Anderson as the lead. It helps enhance her innocence. Of course, most people know her from Little House on the Prairie. We know she is a good girl, right? Compared to her friends, she does seem to be a predominantly wholesome girl, but who for some reason has suffered a traumatic past. Slowly but surely, the details get revealed. Glen Ford as her psychiatrist gives the necessary credibility. While this film does take it's time to reveal what's going on, it doesn't hesitate with the murders. They are pretty bloody and gory. The way I like it. But I liked how these murders were set up. It never reveals the killer, but it does throw several red herrings at you left and right. One of the main reasons why I love Giallo so much. It makes the whole viewing experience so much more fun.

But what really makes this a special film is the ending. Don't worry. Not going to spoil it. But it's good to know the original ending was different and that they changed it up. It's because of this change up, the whole film is elevated. Even if it's too wild and far-fetched. Far from perfect, mind you. But I can assure you, it's an ending you will never be able to predict. Granted, the ending can get a little confusing since it tells you elements never exposed before. I guess that was intentional, as they probably wanted you to rewatch the film and then see if you would be able to get the hints. As someone who has seen this, I think, three times, there are some clues you can find that might lead you to the truth. Especially in the way some characters behave. 

One to watch for sure!





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